We spent two wonderful weeks exploring this beautiful island, and it was an adventure of a lifetime! There are many ways to get around Sri Lanka, making exploring it easy. In this blog post, we will be sharing our personal tips and tricks on how to get around this gem of a destination.
By Air
Sri Lanka’s main international airport – Bandaranaike – is in Colombo, and you will most likely land there. However, there is also Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport in Mattala Hambantota, which operates primarily for domestic flights. As with almost all airports, you’ll find several local taxis outside to take you to your hotel. However, we suggest you book an Uber instead, as they are more reliable. If you opt for a local taxi, make sure to agree on the fare in advance!
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By Land – Train, Bus and Rental Options
Train
Taking a scenic train ride is a must-do in Sri Lanka, as most routes are incredibly picturesque, allowing you to get a glimpse of the country. However, train schedules are often unreliable, so you should add a few hours to your total journey. Also, the trains are rather old, so don’t expect air conditioning in all cars. Overnight trains have bunker beds, and most trains have toilet facilities. The weather in Sri Lanka is humid, so we suggest bringing water and food if you’re on a long trip. The trip from Kandy to Ella is one of the most popular routes, so if you plan on opting for this route, we recommend booking your ticket in advance here.
Bus
Buses are another way to get around Sri Lanka, albeit our least favorite, mainly because most drivers drive dangerously. Multiple routes are available from all major cities, with two major companies at the forefront: a government and a private company. You can differentiate them by color, as the government ones are typically red while the private ones are usually white or blue, and sometimes other colors too. The cost of the tickets varies from as little as 40 cents to, at most, 5 euros. If you opt for a bus in Sri Lanka, be prepared for an uncomfortable and bumpy ride. Also, they’re usually overcrowded with many people standing, sometimes until the bus reaches its final destination.
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Private driver
This is one of the best ways to get around Sri Lanka! Besides being convenient, we liked that our driver offered many tips and recommendations about Sri Lanka. We shared our two-week itinerary with him, and he helped with suggestions on places to eat and see. He also advised us on what to avoid and shared a few local insights about many places. The driver covers his expenses, such as food, accommodation, and gas for the car, so the price you agree on is the final.
We recommend you book your driver in advance here.
Rent a car
While renting a car in Sri Lanka is possible, it’s one of the least popular ways of getting around the country. Driving in Sri Lanka is dangerous if you’re not used to the local roads and driving style. Most major cities have heavy traffic, which tends to be chaotic. Most locals drive pretty fast, and the quality of the streets, more often than not, is in bad shape. However, if you’re confident about renting a car, we recommend booking it here and making sure you opt for full insurance.
Getting around Sri Lanka – Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve read our guide on how to get around in Sri Lanka, you can see that the country is well-connected and has several transportation options. Remember to get insured before traveling to Sri Lanka to put your mind at ease! We always use Heymondo when we travel abroad, as they have excellent customer service, packages that suit our needs, and an easy-to-use app.
Compare the fares before booking your flight here and book your ticket at least a few months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season.
Ready to kick off your trip planning? Check out these handy travel resources:
